Lymph nodes taken out and swelling happens.Possibly for life.

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gamagetchun
gamagetchun Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Hi I am new at this site and am looking for someone who is experiencing the same as I am. Feb.8,2010 I had 25 lymph nodes taken out of the left side of my neck. I then had 30 days radiation. That took care of my saliva gland on that side. Also affected the bones under my teeth. So not to get cavities or have extractions I am having to have 16 teeth crowned. The left side of my face swells when I turn my head alot, bend over, lift etc. I did learn from a physical therapist a way to help it go away but I can't do a thing and it happens all over again. This causes my sinus's to be sore, then the eye goes blurry, and finally I get a terrific headache. Anyone out there to talk to about this to get some ideas to comfort?? Thank you so much.
Gretchen

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  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 1,337 Member
    #2
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    You can go for lymphedema therapy
    It is very helpful, They do a very light massage actually starting away from the face down near the pelvis and thighs and then kind of coaxing the lymph fluid down the path like a slinky. The technique can be self taught after a few sessions. There is also a garmnent that can be worn at night to help drain the fluid by compression. You have to be fitted by the massage therapist and is sold by a company named 'Solaris" Do a google search on them. Lymphedema therapist are certified as such and can be found at major hospitals in rehab units or wound care units. It's a common problem with breast cancer so you might get more information over on their board. Eventually it will get better as new pathways are laid down by the body but I find that mine has not gone away entirely but is manageable. You're sleep position will drain in whatever direction you lay. If you can, sleep on your back. Also exercise can aggravate the condition. If you need more info on the Solaris garment shoot me a PM.
  • ekdennie
    ekdennie Member Posts: 238 Member
    #3
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    swelling
    gretchen,
    I also have swelling in my face. I didn't lose any lymph nodes, but I had 30 rads (IMRT). I asked my dr about it, she said that while I am healing it will be there, just part of the lymphatic system. she said to come back if mine got too painful or if I get more swelling. I have found that it seems to be less when I don't lift my kids as much. drinking warm tea has also seems to help, but I don't know if it is just for me. If you are having sinus pressure, you could try a Neil Med Sinus Rinse...not the net pot, but the other one. it will help keep your sinuses clear and it might help keep the swelling down...the warm water rinse helps me anyway.
    best of luck! hugs!
    elizabeth
  • Hal61
    Hal61 Member Posts: 655
    #4
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    Lymph Edema
    Hi Gretchen, I don't have the symptoms you do, but do have lymph edema from lymph nodes removed in July. I thought it was just lumpy from the surgery, but my new medical onc identified it-some of the swelling anyway--as lymph edema. They have a lymph edema type therapist on staff, and I am being scheduled for the neck massage therapy Mike (Ratface) suggested. I'll be posting on the results. As mentioned, lymph fluid does find new pathways as time passes in many cases and I hope your condition improves.

    best,Hal
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #5
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    Hi gamagetchun

    Get your ENT or someone to check you for Mastoids and Sinus infection especially if you have tubes in your ears.

    All the best
    Hondo
  • staceya
    staceya Member Posts: 720
    #6
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    Hondo said:

    Hi gamagetchun

    Get your ENT or someone to check you for Mastoids and Sinus infection especially if you have tubes in your ears.

    All the best
    Hondo

    Massage therapy has worked
    Massage therapy has worked wonders for me. Rad burns opening, then developing contractures, had led to one side on my mouth unable to smile, now it is all back to pre rads. I did not think it could come back and nothing happened for 6 months after rads until I started massage.
    Stacey
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #7
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    Swollen Glands
    Hi Gretchen, sorry to meet this way, hopefully others on the site will be able to give you the insite that you are seeking....

    Best,
    John
  • abbimom
    abbimom Member Posts: 87 Member
    #8
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    takes a while
    It took a while but my swelling went away. I also had lymph nodes removed and had swelling in my face. the swelling seemed to go away slowly more every year. After 4 years now I can't get any weight in my face. If I gain weight now it goes everywhere but my face I don't understand it. It will get better but I remember how frustrating it was, just know that it will get better and the massages sound like they could help you out. best wishes,
    Linda

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